The Milkor 380 is an impressive achievement in Africa’s rapidly advancing defence technology sector, showcasing the continent’s capacity to design, manufacture, and operate sophisticated unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). As the largest UAV produced in Africa, the Milkor 380 places the continent firmly on the map of global military innovation.
Ghaazim Rylands, CEO of Milkor Integrated Systems and lead designer of the platform, highlights the ongoing evaluation of critical safety systems, operational data, and platform architecture to ensure the Milkor 380 surpasses current market offerings in innovation and reliability.
Key features and capabilities
The Milkor 380 is a medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), purpose-built for surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat missions. With an 18-metre wingspan and an operational endurance of up to 35 hours, it can reach altitudes of 10,000 feet while cruising at 60 knots. These specifications enable it to cover vast terrains, making it ideal for land and maritime patrols.
With five hardpoints, the UAV can carry a variety of payloads, including precision-guided munitions such as laser-guided bombs and missile systems. Its modular design allows for mission flexibility, supporting diverse operations like reconnaissance, border surveillance, and airstrikes.
Equipped with cutting-edge technology—including electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) cameras, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and advanced communication systems—the Milkor 380 is versatile, suitable for both military and civilian applications.
Manufacturing and African Innovation
Milkor’s success with the 380 is part of a broader effort to promote local manufacturing and technological self-reliance in Africa. Milkor designs and develops all avionics, communication systems, and payload integration for the Milkor 380 entirely in-house, showcasing Africa’s impressive capability to produce world-class defence solutions.
This indigenous production reflects Africa’s ambition to reduce dependency on foreign military imports while positioning itself as a competitive player in the global defence market. The Milkor 380 has been showcased at international exhibitions such as the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) Expo and the Defence and Security Expo in Thailand, underlining Africa’s potential to export such innovations to global markets.
The UAV has also gained recognition for its role in modernising African military forces. It addresses pressing security concerns, including border control, counter-terrorism, and maritime surveillanc.
Strategic Importance for Africa
The Milkor 380 reflects Africa’s ability to tackle its security needs independently. With vast, unguarded borders and increasing threats, UAVs like the Milkor 380 offer African nations an affordable and efficient tool for bolstering national security. Its capacity to carry advanced weaponry further reveals its role in both defensive and offensive operations, making it a key asset for African military agencies.
Ghaazim Rylands, emphasising the value of the Milkor 380 during its unveiling at the Africa Aerospace and Defence Expo, described it as a milestone in Africa’s high-tech manufacturing journey. He highlighted that the UAV not only serves as an indigenous solution to African security challenges but also contributes to the continent’s broader push to reduce reliance on imported defence equipment.
